September 21st, 2015

Tailgating – Think Food!

Tailgating

Tailgating means different things to different people.

You first have your back-of-the-truck, hang-out-in-the-stadium-parking-lot group. I adore this bunch of fun-loving, team-spirited folks. They’re there for their team, sacrificing comfort for duty. Honorable and dedicated.

No matter the weather, they’re out there – blizzard, 100-degree temperatures, driving rain, you name it. They’re like the postmen of the tailgating arts.

Then, you have your decked-out-RV group who camps out for a week before the big game, bringing with them tents, music, TVs, folding tables and chairs, extensive grills, preparation for any kind of weather – and maybe even their own bathroom.

This group knows what they’re doing and they are in it to win it. A game is an event to be celebrated and they’re serious. The accommodations are pretty nice, too.

And, of course, you’ve got your living room fans who prefer to “tailgate” in the comfort of their own homes in front of the TV. I most often fall into this category. I’m into comfort (and central heating and air conditioning). Hey, it doesn’t mean I love my team any less.

And I’ve been a part of all three groups. I love them all equally. They’re just different types of tailgaters.

But one thing ALL tailgaters have in common?

A laser focus on food. Food and drink are what drive the tailgating experience.

On that, we can all agree.

So what type of food makes for a great tailgate experience? The answer is: Whatever you want!

I’m a steak enthusiast, so I like to grill up steaks wherever I am. Whether in my own backyard or in a stadium parking lot, steaks are always on the menu for me.

But steakburgers fit the bill, too!

You won’t walk by a tailgating crew without smelling burgers on the grill. Beautiful, delicious burgers. Not gonna happen. And rightfully so! Burgers have earned their place in the Tailgating Hall of Fame food category.

So tell me, how do you like to tailgate and what are YOU eating while you do it?


October 2nd, 2014

Tailgating Hacks

Are you a heavy-duty tailgater?

Then you probably have this tailgating thing down!

For the rest of us non-professionals, some tailgating hacks might be useful before heading out to cheer on your team – and eat like a champ!

Tip #1 – Prepare as much food as you can beforehand. You don’t want to spend ALL your tailgate time working away over a hot propane stove.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple. Do you really want a four-course meal with dijonnaise sauce and delicate fritters? No! You’re out in a parking lot for goodness’ sake. Try brisket. Ribs. Burgers. Steak. Bite-sized appetizers.

Barbecue Ribs

Tip #3 – Never, ever run out of food. We don’t want a brawl on our hands. Those fans get hungry!

Tailgating Hacks

Tip #4 – Since you will be following tip #3, make sure to bring a cooler specifically for leftovers. Tailgate food is great even the next day! But you have to store it properly so it will keep.

Tip #5 – Don’t make it so complicated that you won’t have time to have fun yourself. Try sides – and even meals – you can just heat and eat.

Baked Beans

Have fun cheering on your team at your next tailgate party. And eat a rib for me!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.


Archives